* INTRODUCING «

FOR THE REAPERS OF

-.c SCIENCE- FICTION % WEI RD-FICTION * FANTASY -FICTION *

S.F.S. ADIilHlSTRATlON

The Committee who are carrying out administrative work and planning in 1949 are as follows

Secretary. Francis R.Fears, 6, Ferme Park Hans ions, Ferme Park Rd., Crouch End, N.3.

Treasurer. Owen D.Plumridge, 4, ’./ide Way, Hitoham, Surrey.

Llembers. A.Vincent Clarke. James Clay. Charles Duncombe. Kenneth Slater Edward Tubb.

S.F.S. members have been grouped into areas, each with its own secretary. All communications concerning the Society should go to the members appropiate Area Secretary. Here is the geographical location of each area, and the address of its Secretary.

SOUTHERN AREA All Southern England, with the exception of the ’London Area’, south of Gloucester, Oxford, Bucks, Hertford and Essex inclusive Secretary. L.G.Street, '50, Vine Rd., Southamp ton, Hants . LONDON AREA The ’Greater London’ area, and including all regular visitors of the ’London Citole’. Secretary Francis R.Fears., •5,- Ferme Pk. Mansions, Ferme pk Rd., Crouch End, N.3.

(Cont. Over) UIDLAUDS AREA From the ’ Southern Are? to Shropsl3.ra, Worcester, Warwick, Leicester, Rut la no. Cam­ bridge, and Norfolk inclusive , and including WALES.

Secretary. P.S.Medcalf, 55, Elmbridge Rd., Perry Barr, Birmingham 22B, Warwick.

NORTHERN AREA From the ’liidlands Area* to the Scottish border.

Secretary K.Johnson, 69, Warrington St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs. SCOTTISH A1TD _AKE A. Secretary P.B.Bell, 1?, Barfillan Drive, Glasgow, S.W. 2, Scotland.

OVERSEAS Enquirers and members should write to the S.F*S. Secretary, Francis Fears.

DEPARTUERTS The S.F»S, MANUSCRIPT BUREAU for the distribution of amateur ftss. Is managed by Kenneth Slater, from whan full details can be obtained. Address Lt. K.F.Slater, 13 Group, R.P.O,, B.A.O.R. 23. The S.F.S. CONTACT BUREAU will put members of the S.F.S, and the British Fantasy Library n oontaot with + American and other overseas fans for ; ho purposes ,f correspondence and trading magazines a-d hocks.Details are available from:- L.E« BartJ.es 16r llilford Rd., W1 ton. Stafford. x^QR^our iiiFoaiation_

seizures FANTASY NEWS and other SFS publications Publisher;- A.Vincent Clarke, 16, "/endo ve r ’.Yay, Welling, Kent. . . L A-1 ± A^ iHZVIEA printed,bi-monthly publication gx ..ng articles, book-reviews pndfuecrional advertise ’ lisher^ neWS‘ Z' Pen th9 Editor “'i iisner W.H.Gillings, 115, Wanatead Prk Rd.y Ilford, Essex. OPERATION FANTAST. A trading organisation +%

13 Group, R.P.C., B.A.O.R. ?3,

OPERATION FANTAST POSTAL LIBRARY Contains a large number of recent British and U S Not magazines * * fantasy books. Librarian. H.Tealby, 3, Burfield Avenue, Loughborough, Leics.

^ss.pllt into “a-but Hiltons Head Hotel, Hilton Street, Nottingham, Notts. libra^i^whi^h^Lent^ues^ericS^^ *

fr0" “9"lber 10 "lambar of

Librarian: - N .Linds ay, 311, Babbacombe Rd. Torquay, Devon. ALEUBIO . A fanzine containing articles, amateur stories, news and. other items of interest, issued, with a trading supplement giving adverts of "books and. mag­ azines for sale. Editor A Publisher N.Ashfield, 27, Woodland. Rd., Thornton Heath, Surrey.

WNDER A fanzine containing articles and fan­ fiction. Issued at irregular intervals. For details, apply to Editor and Publisher: - LI.Tealby, 8, Burfield Ave., Loughborough, Leics.

SLANT A printed fanzine, containing articles and fiction. Details from Editor and Publisher^- 7?. Willis 170, Upper Newtownards Rd., Belfast, IT.Ireland.

FANTASY ADVEHTISlSH. A planographed U.S. publicatinn, containing an article, book reviews and many advertisements of magazines and books, mainly from U.S. fans. 3/3d per annum from the British representative:- J .u. Iio s enblum, 4, Grange Terrace, Chapeltown, Leeds.

U.S. FANZINE CHAIN. Bun on same lines as BFL Current Issue Dept., but with a chain of fanzines. Detaiiis:- N. Ashfield, 77, Woodland Rd, Thornton Heath, Surrey. . i___ ; ' * THE LONDON CIRCLE. A weekly meeting of s-f readers, editors and authors , held every Thursday night in the Saloon Bar of the ’White Horse Tavern’, Fetter Lane, E.C.1. This as not a club, it is quite informal, and visitors are /el cnmed - IHTRODUUIUG— —— - - - - ■ - THE- - S.F.S.~ Ken slater

Fantasy literature has been known ever sinoe man developed, the ability to express his imaginative pow­ ers in writing, but th© modern type of science,weird and fantasy fiction, which dates from the novels of ’ such authors as Verne, Wells, Machen, Blackwood etc. only began to reach a very large public with the ad-’ vent of ’weird Tales’, (1923), and ’Amazing Stories’ (792^), in the fertile field of American pulp magazi^ publication.

As soon as these magazines appeared, they attrac­ ted a following of people who were sufficiently, inter­ ested in the stories to write to the editors and point out errors in logic, in science, in the illustration and not only to point oilt'.errors, but to make suggest-’ ions of a constructive nature. These people were the original ’fans’, as they are known in modern parlance,

Suprisingly, the editors took note of what these ians1 had to say, and either improved or explained the replies forming part of a’readers letters’ section wnlon became a regular feature in the ’ocience-fiotion ? magazines. This has led to the present-day position whone editors, authors and artists frequently correct readers ! But that applies more to the States: our fan history in the U.K. is no such story of successful rout ual achievement. It is instead a record of failure ..’glorious failure’, maybe, but still failure.

The earliest fan organisation in this countrv was the science-Fietion Association’. Formed in 19^7 • closed down at the outbreak of war, it*s guiding mem- oers being unable to carry on for various reasons During its period of activity, meetings were held* mimeographed magazines were produced, and contact’wa~ established between a number of fans who have since -aven an active part in the various projects connected with fantasy fiction in this country. (Introducing th© S.F.S.) (Page 4)

CO’existent with the S.F.A. was the British Inter- Planetary ,Society; not a fan organisation, but a scientific body derived from fans with technical lean, ings. Commencing with a membership of 13, it has today - a healthy following of well over 600, and public recog­ nition. In that achievement the fan can take some vicarious pleasure, for it was from the fans that the organisation started.

puring the war, two more fan societies were started. Qne of them, at the Teddington Paint Research Station, commenced as a library of magazines and books donated by'fan Frank Parker, its purpose being to help N.F.S. members to pass the time when they were ’standing by*. From it sprang the virile ’Cosmos Club’.

I think that much of the club’s success was due to the fact that it suffered oppression from ’Higher Authority’. At least, while this oppression existed, the club existed. When its membership spread beyond the confines of the Research station laboratory, and the oppression and the war ceased, the club also ceased. Its ghost remains in the form of the ’Cosmos Library’, which now operates under the aegis of the group known as the ’London Circle’,

The other war-time organisation was the British Fantasy Society; somewhat different in form, as its Membership was drawn from all over the U.K. The B.F.S. £Lso continued whilst its operative difficulties were greatest, and went iftto a decline when most of them were removed’3 Again a ’ghost* of the society remains, and the ’British Fantasy Library’, with the ’Cosmos । Library’, fills a great need for those of the fans wha know of their existence. i

I shall not comment at length on the pre-war British professional magazines, ’Fantasy’ and ’Tales of Wonder’, except to say that ’T.o.W.’ might still re running if the war had been a few years shorter. (Introducing the S.F.S.) (Pages) ITor shall I say much of th© abortive post-war efforts to publish professional magazines in this comt-'y ^Fantasy’, re-introduced, folded after three issues, due to paper shortage and lack of understanding by its publishers. ’Outlands’, a semi-professional effort, was a one-issue affair. Three ’New Worlds’ were produced, and then due to publishing difficulties,!^ also vanished for a time. ’N.W. ’ is now (April ’49) back with us, published by a fan-financed company. Much has already been written about this elsewhere so I shall say no more.

Our ’Fanzines’, (a wide and varied field of amateu- publications produced by the fans; some printed, some typed; some duplicated) have as their chief represent­ ative . ’Fantasy Review’, a sremi-professional printed booklet, and details of this and other fanzines can bo easily obtained. If you are interested enough in those any of the othor matters uppn which I have so lightly touched, a few letters and a little investig­ ation will got you all the information you could desire ...... maybe more !

Now at last I come to to-day, and the Science- Fantasy Society. This society, springing to life as it does with a membership of over 50, has a higher open­ ing strength than any of its predecessors. That ia\ good sign. It also commences when it is obvious that the number of people in this country who are interested in s-f and fantasy is larger than ever before.Witness the production of so many fantasy’.books by publishing houses, and the large sale oft the British Reprint Edit­ ions of ’Astounding science Fiction’ and ’Unknown Worlds’.

The S.F.S. combines the good points of both th© ’Cosmos Club’ and the ’B.F,S.’, in that it has a central organisation which can get together to discuss and do things, tut has a nation-wid© membership; scattered, it (Introducing the S.F.S.) (Page) it is true, but at least, every single member in a town is a prospective point of contact foe new members r

The Society has come into existence because there appears to be a need for it, and it will continue to grow as more people become aware of it, and what it has to offer. And what has it to offer?

A seven-point policy which states the objects of the S.F.S. has been laid down by the Committee. I shall quote it here, and then enlarge upon the points.

(1) The furtherance of all s-f and fantasy matters both in connection with fans and with the professional field. (2) The speedy dissemination of news to all fans. (3) The encouragement of all ’fanzine' editors, artists, authors, etc. (4) The promotion of international correspondence between s-f and fantasy readers. (5) The possible stabilizing of magazine prices. (6) The fostering of local groups, of national fan functions and similar matters which benefit,indi­ rectly, the individual fan. (7) Hore publicity for the entire field of s-f and fantasy, and its recognition as a separate form of literature.

The first item is just a good old'general coverage’ clause, which will serve as a heading for anything, anyone,at any time may think of, which is not covered by the other six points.

Point two is an important one. By 'news’ is meant all items of interest, both personal and professional, and these will be covered by the official organ of tie Society, the ’Science Fantasy News’. It is hoped to publish this every six or eight weeks, depending on •circumstances. The S.F.S. will also publish indices of magazines and bocks, etc., and other items of benefit to tlie members. (Introducing the S.F.S.) (Page 11 Point three is also of importance th t ment’that the S.F.S. can offer ’encoura^- be advice ani material help flnav^lJ Polishers will As part of this service thX q w q ot-horwis9» other fanzines in the ’Lf Jews ’ i extra postal expenses for th© publish!^'fSaVing

script^^a^h^be^ * ’lign­ eous mss. (i.e; those not dir^’tJv r J m^SO91:i ~ written with reference to any parti^Ja^f1?^ ?r be sent, and from which editors may request mat eri 27^

In addition, all items will be careful i it u 4. and if the author, artist, etc. desires’ Se ' show promise will be placed before a advise with a view to making the material sellabl^in^ tlie professional field, a small arencv tn i material may be arranged at a later date. P 9 SU°h

The object of item four, the promotion of inter­ national correspondence, is covered by the S P i’ ’Contact Bureau’. s.i> ,s. and British Fantasy Librarv members who wish to correspond, and/or trade, wiul other fans overseas, particularly in the U q o + in touch with them through this bureau. ’S” n get

In regard to item five it ip nr>+ society to do more than to quote a list" of mJ9 f°r the prices which they consider fair and + ^S^^ne fans to stick to these prices when buying and^eli J1 It is pointed out that Anyone X morf X S S! K hXX do™wxix, witham anyrne pulesS.x-.o, aboutis not whft gome thej tn may 'hind or i XSi'+ ■, ihis subject will bo thoroughly investigated * Committee will always be glad to romi & , G ^e th© members concerning it. ' 19 vlews °f

That part of the polley contain^ 1„ lt9m afa doaB (Introducing the S.F.S.) (Pag#12) not permit detailed planning, but the Society will probably arrange an annual Convention for cane, and similar matters will bo dealt with as the need arises. To aid local groups, the S.F.lTews will, publish details of meetings,lists of names and addresses, etc. We will try to put new fans, (and newly discovered ones) in touch with others in their locality, and will natur­ ally advise and help those xvishing to form a group in any way possible. But this is maanly a matter for thes e fans and is something which tho S.h.S. cannot start as a whole; the initial desire must be present in the individuals concerned. And seven J The most important, I think, ihe sub­ ject of publicity fo.fr fantasy and fandom has received as much attention and discussion as any other two matters together. In this brief outline, I cannot do more than to say that the subject will be fully covered ih'separate articles in the ’S.F.News’. That also app­ lies to a number of other items, such as requesting publishers to print, or reprint,certain books,etc.

I have said enough to give you a briof idea of the aims of the S.F.S. J now, how it will operate. The country has been divided into a small number of ’Area’s’, each with its own Secretary. The Area Secretaries have been chosen by their expressed will­ ingness to help, and where possible, geographical loc­ ation. Each Secretary will act as a sort of 'Liason Officer* a link between the individual t'ati and fan- groups in his Area, and the central co-ordinating committee. At present, most of the Committee members are London Area fans. Duties and responsibilities are bexng split up and dis Lr-ibuted as much as possible, and the addresses of members who are taking an active part in tlie org

vzill be published in each issue of the ’S.F.News ’, and elsewhere.

Enquiries which do not specifically concern one of these departments should be sent to the local Area Secretary. Points not answerable by th© Secretary will be forwarded by him to the Committee. Each Area has been allocated a Committee member to whom the ’A.S.’ will write.

Postage expenses will be remitted to the Area Sec­ retaries and other organisers (on their application to the Treasurer), but members who want a mailed reply from them or any other branch of the S.F.S, must enclose^. a stamped and addressed envelope.

The annual subscription to the S.F.S. is 5/- or in the case of overseas members, current magazines with a 1 ace-value of that sum, and it will date from the member’s entry. A membership card is available,, Fundh are held in a joint account by the Treasurer and the Secretary.

This brief resume will, I hope, serve as an intro­ duction to the S.F.S. The Society is still in its initial stages, but the Committee are going to work hard and those of the members who can will also be aslced to * work on the various projects. Some of these are now in operation, some are still in the planning stage, and members will be kept fully informed of these activities through the S,F.Mewa.

In conclusion, I would like to thank, on behalf of the Committee, all these fans who have offered advice and help, and to assure all members that the S.F.S. will continue to operate with as few 'rules and regulation ’ as posslb .0; in the bel'.ef that a co-ordination of vol­ untary 01fort will be of benefit, and give greater pleasure, to all of us. A. V.Clarke With th© advent of a number of email U.S. publisher© whose present policy consists of putting well-liked mag­ azine s-f and weird fiction ’between hard covers’, the old division between fantasy book and fantasy magazine publishing appears to be vanishing. With it vanishes a curious paradox. As Ken Slater points out in his art- 'icle, British magazine fantasy has had a very hard job tn getting started. A pre-war juvenile fantasy paper, ’Scoops’, ran for 30 issues, ’Tales of Wonder’ for 16, the pre-war Newnes ’Fantasy’ for 3 issues, the post-war Tempio Bar ’Fantasy’ for 3, and ’New Worlds’ has just reached No.4. Apart from these, only a few minor paper-covered booklets have appeared. Yet in the.U.S., thereare at present 13 regular magazines, and in 1941 the figure was as high as 30? One would naturally expect a similar position to exist in the fantasy book field, and there lies the paradox.The similar position has existed---in reverse?,* Until tills recent increase in the U.S.A., t»o led the field and not only because of the famous ’names’ such as Wells, H.R.Haggard, Oonan Doyle, Lord Dunsany, Bl ack wood, Machen, Chesterton, James, and many others who are known by the gocn^al public to, have written various kinds of fantasy.The book-collectiJifg fan will, for inst­ ance, have half-a-dozen volumes by Doctor Olaf Stapledon on his shelves. 3.Fowl er Wright has written many s-f books; Neil Bell, John Gloag,Andrew Marvell,O.S.Lewis and Dennis Wheatley have all written fantasy books during the last few years, to name only a few. Prolific authors of earlier years included M.P.Shicl, V/.H.Hodgson, E.F.Benson, J.D.Beresford, G.Griffiths,B.Pain, F.Anstey, etc., and of course there are many who have written only one or two fantasies. There is, then, no lack of support for British fantasy amongst the reading public; none of the adult fantasy magazines have failed for that reason, and once the initial difficulties have been overcome, an intelligently managed and well-written mogazine has every chance of success.